Cummings proud of Godolphin’s Golden Slipper day focus after tough run

Head trainer James Cummings is “quite confident everything will be fine” at Godolphin Australia.

And he’s certain the focus of his team is spot on as they prepare strong chances across the stacked Golden Slipper program, featuring five group 1s, on Saturday at Rosehill.

Tempted is equal favourite for the Golden Slipper after winning the Reisling Stakes at Randwick on March 8.Credit: Getty Images

The Australian arm of racing giant Godolphin has been the subject of speculation after a decline in runners and talk of strategic changes. Long-running rumours of Yulong Investments buying out Godolphin Australia have been dismissed. The future of Cummings as head trainer has also been debated.

The powerhouse operation, though, has kept producing big wins on the track.

Tom Kitten, a $7.50 Sportsbet chance in the George Ryder Stakes on Saturday, won the All-Star Mile. Tempted has come into equal favouritism at $5 for the $5 million Golden Slipper after her Reisling Stakes victory, while Beiwacht is also in the headline race. Last season’s champion two-year-old, Broadsiding, is $2.30 favourite for the Rosehill Guineas.

Zac Lloyd takes Broadsiding to victory in the Hobartville Stakes, and he will start favourite in the Rosehill Guineas on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images

For his part, Cummings said he still loves his job, and the work of his team.

“We know our job, we know what we’re targeting and this time of the year, these races move the needle for us,” Cummings said.

“I’ve been nothing but utterly impressed by my team. They’ve been able to knuckle down and keep their focus on what’s important.

“In my mind, I think everything’s going to work itself out, and I don’t think any of that is worth worrying about. But focusing on what’s important to us is the critical thing and that’s the test.

“You’ve just got to stay focused, and I think all that other stuff will work itself out. I’m quite confident everything will be fine.”

James Cummings says he is confident the future looks bright at Australian racing giant Godolphin.Credit: Getty Images

Adding to the challenge for Cummings has been his family’s loss this month of Leilani Lodge at Randwick, where he started his training journey with his famous grandfather, Bart. James’ father, Anthony, was stripped of his trainer’s licence and forced out of Leilani Lodge amid financial struggles and his brother, Ed, fell short in his bid to take over.

“That’s a difficult time for the family, but we’ve just got to play the long game there,” James said.

On Saturday, Cummings’ focus is on Rosehill, where Tempted has been well fancied this week after drawing gate one in a Slipper field where most of the potential leaders have wide barriers.

“There’s a lot to be said for the prep that Tempted’s had; she should be ready to run the race of her campaign and that barrier draw just assists Blake Shinn to have her precisely where he wants without having to cover any ground,” Cummings said.

“I don’t know how fast this Slipper will be, how much speed there is actually. There’s possibly an opening for there to be an on-pace horse’s year. A lot of the on-speed horses have not pressed on.”

Tom Kitten comes into the George Ryder in great form after his last-start win in the All-Star Mile.Credit: Getty Images

Godolphin also has $51 shot Beiwacht in the race with Adam Hyeronimus to ride, likely from gate 14 of 16. The Bivouac colt was a contender after a dominant Silver Slipper win, but was then second last in the Todman Stakes last start.

“We think he’s in with a good hope, and I am even optimistic that he can get a good run from that draw, but I say that with reservation because I was extremely optimistic he would get a nice run last time and he didn’t,” Cummings said.

“He was carved up, and not many of the chances could have sustained the run he did and still been there in the finish.

“If I forgive that blot in his copybook, he’s been to Rosehill once and he was extremely impressive, and the Silver Slipper winner has to carry plenty of meaning heading into this.”

Tom Kitten faces a class field and wide draw in the George Ryder but comes to Sydney in peak form.

“He’s got a bit of flex there from being the All-Star Mile winner,” Cummings said. “He’ll have a lot to do from the draw, but he’s just flying this campaign, and he’s just been ticking over calmly since that win. This should be an ideal lead-up run to the Doncaster.”

Broadsiding, drawn in nine of 11 on Saturday, was a beaten favourite in the Randwick Guineas (1600m) last start but started the campaign with an easy win in the Hobartville (1400m). Cummings backed him to bounce back at 2000m.

“He’s really going well that colt,” he said. “His fitness levels are right there for a mile and a quarter, and he’ll be ready to go here third up from a spell.

“He was a Cox Plate placegetter from the spring, so he’s got that toughness now, and he gets a chance to show his class here.”

Cummings chose the group 1 Galaxy for Wenona Girl Quality winner Commemorative after also accepting in the group 3 Birthday Card Stakes.

“She’s just going beautifully that mare,” he said. “A good flowing ride suits her, and it would be good to see her bring that form she showed at Randwick in her two runs back.”